$500 is a lot of money. Laying WAY upwards of half-a-grand for a 12″ sliding compound miter saw is not something you should do every time a wild hare bites you. But if the SMCS bug has bitten you maybe you should at least read this post… and some of the forum threads we link to.

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(Here’s a more updated version of this article: Most Used Sliding Compound Miter Saw: the SMCS Showdown)

We had a ToolCrib visitor write in recently asking about sliding compound miter saws. He said:

“I am trying to decide between buying a 12″ hatachi sliding miter saw or the bosch. any tips?”

Here’s the Hitachi C12RSH 12″ sliding compound miter saw:

And here’s the 5412L Bosch 12-Inch Dual Bevel Slide Miter Saw

We rounded up the usual suspects over at WoodNet and FamilyWoodworking to offer their expert opinions.

So here’s what your friendly WoodNetters had to say.

In reading through that thread I get the overall impression that the Hitachi is in fact a better choice, though most folks mentioned getting the 10 incher instead of the 12:

This thread from WoodNet turns out to be in pretty strong favor of the Hitachi.

There were a couple of proponents in WoodNet of the Makita too, which our questioner didn’t ask about at first:

Now take a look at what the Family had to say.

Again, strong support for the Hitachi… but the 10″ Hitachi scms because as Tod notes, and this is just one man’s opinion, “i’d advise against a 12″ saw unless he actually needs the extra deapth of cut for trim work…..10″ saws will usually give a better cut…”

Thanks to everyone who helped out in the forums to make sure our visitors make the best decisions with their hard earned cash!